Ration Card Update: Families receiving subsidised foodgrains through ration cards do not necessarily have to collect their entire entitlement from the same ration shop. The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has clarified that eligible family members living in different locations can access their ration benefits separately.
This provision is particularly relevant for families whose members move to another city or state for employment, education or other reasons. Under the applicable system, an eligible member can collect their share from a ration shop located near them.
What Is the One Nation One Ration Card Scheme?
The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) system allows beneficiaries to access their entitled foodgrains from ration shops at different locations.
The facility applies to beneficiaries covered under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) ration cards. A family member living away from the rest of the household does not have to return to the original ration shop to collect their share.
The DFPD has also clarified this provision through its official social media platform, X, confirming that eligible family members living separately can receive their entitled ration from different ration shops.
What If Another Family Member Has the Physical Ration Card?
A beneficiary does not necessarily need to carry the physical ration card to collect their entitled ration. If another member of the family has the card, the eligible beneficiary can visit a nearby ration shop and provide the ration card number or Aadhaar number.
The beneficiary’s identity is then authenticated through the required biometric verification, such as a fingerprint or iris scan, using the authentication device at the ration shop.
Once the identity is successfully verified, the beneficiary can collect their entitled share of ration.
Ration Benefits Can Be Accessed From Different Locations
The ONORC facility provides flexibility to eligible AAY and PHH beneficiaries whose family members are living in different places. Instead of requiring all members to collect their ration from one particular shop, eligible beneficiaries can access their entitlement from a suitable ration shop at their current location, subject to the applicable authentication and scheme rules.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the information provided by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. Ration eligibility, authentication requirements and portability provisions may be subject to applicable government rules and changes. Beneficiaries should verify the latest information with the relevant authorities or ration dealer before taking any action.